Tape body so you do not scratch it

Performance Gain:

Replace faulty taillight lens. Replace faulty taillight bulb.

Complementary Modification:

Replace tail light seal

In this tech article, I will show you how to replace the rear exterior lights on your BMW E90. These lights include the tail lights, license plate lights, and third brake light. Some of these lights are standard tungsten style bulbs and others are LED style bulbs.

When dealing with bulb failures or bulb out messages, always inspect the electrical connector and taillight bulb holder. The connectors can wear over time causing heat and melting. Once the electrical connector on the harness side or the taillight socket has melted, you will have a poor connection and rear bulb faults or failures. If you find the connector is melted, you can repair it by installing a new plug pigtail and / or replacing the bulb socket assembly.

Figure 1

The taillight on E90 models is split into two parts. One is mounted to the rear fender (green arrow) and the other in the trunk lid (yellow arrow) or tailgate. The lens in the rear fender houses the brake, turn and taillight bulbs. The lens in the trunk or tailgate houses the backup and rear fog light bulbs.

Next, you will have to remove part of the trunk lid trim. I suggest only removing the plastic rivets from the side you need to repair bulbs on, then pull trim away from trunk lid to access bulbs. Depending on the side you are servicing, remove four ( of eight total) plastic rivets from trunk trim using a trim panel tool. (green arrows)

This photo shows removing the center of the rivet using a trim panel tool. Be careful, these have a tendency to pop out once released and go flying away. Once rivets on side you are servicing have been removed, pull carpet trim away from trunk lid.

Then remove taillight lens from trunk lid by lifting inside of lens up and unclipping from outer edge of trunk lid. When installing new taillight lens, check that taillight seal is in good condition, replace if necessary. If this seal leaks, water can leak into the trunk or taillight lens.

Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need.
- Nick at Pelican Parts

Juss

Comments: Hi is the mounting fastener a part that we can purchase? I might have misplaced mine and now the lamp doesn't stay attached.
Or do I have to buy the entire light,
Thanks !

March 17, 2015

Followup from the Pelican Staff: I am sure we can get you one. Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can help. - Nick at Pelican Parts

DL

Comments: I'm looking for a replacement bulb for the right rear fog light, but the PP catalog only has what looks like the entire lens housing with bulb included. Is it possible to replace the bulb only, or is this an all-inclusive part? Thanks!

March 5, 2015

Followup from the Pelican Staff: The bulbs are available for incandescent bulb models.

Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799 and they can help figure out which part or repair kit you need.